NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met with his South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-bak on the sidelines of the UN meetings in New York Wednesday morning to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of common interests.

Under the joint effort of both sides, China and South Korea have seen a rapid growth of bilateral links since they established diplomatic relations 17 years ago.

The two countries have maintained frequent contact between high-ranking officials, enhanced political trust, expanded trade and mutually beneficial economic cooperation, and deepened exchanges and cooperation in such fields as culture, education and science.

The two sides also strengthened communications and coordination on major regional and international issues such as cooperation among China, South Korea and Japan, climate change and international finance.

The heads of state of the two countries exchanged visits last year. They agreed on establishing a strategic partnership of cooperation in May 2008, opening up a new era of bilateral ties. They met again on the sidelines of the financial summit of the Group of 20 (G20) in London in April this year.

China and South Korea are both important neighbors and cooperative partners. Now China is the top trade partner, export market and source of imports of South Korea.

Hu is in New York to attend the UN climate change summit, the general debate of the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly and a Security Council summit on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. After the UN meetings, President Hu will fly to Pittsburgh to attend the G20 financial summit.